Abstract:
This study explores the experiences of female seminary graduates as they seek
to integrate into local church ministries. Data was collected through face to face semi structured
interviews, which were recorded and transcribed.
The findings revealed that, if a female seminary graduate desires a successful
integration into the local church ministries, then they must be sent by their churches.
This must happen in the light of three key factors. First the church leadership should
be the ones to recognize the gifting in the women and find a place for the expression of
those gifts, Secondly, the church community should have had prior experience with
women in significant roles hence be agreeable to women in ministry. Thirdly, the
women should have an assurance of the personal divine calling. It is these factors that
will enhance integration success.
If the seminary graduate was not sent by the church and therefore has one or
more of the above missing, the female seminary graduate will experience integration
difficulties.
Based on the findings the seminary needs to be in dialogue with the church to
ensure integration success of the women they are training. The key question for them
becomes, ' ... is it ethically responsible to accept tuition dollars from the women when
the seminary leadership recognizes that their gender will hamper these women as they
travel the pathway to ministry?' (Grenz 1995, 24).
